Breast Revision

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston, Bellaire, Kingwood, The Woodlands and Cypress, TX

Breast Revision Kronowitz Plastic Surgery

Breast revision is a secondary breast procedure that repairs or alters the results of previous breast augmentation. It involves the removal and replacement of the implant or another alteration to the breast. While some women experience no dissatisfaction with the appearance of their implants, others find that their implants require a revision for aesthetic or functional reasons.

At Kronowitz Plastic Surgery, Dr. Steven Kronowitz takes pride in his expertise and experience in performing breast revision surgery. With years of training and a meticulous approach, he helps patients achieve natural-looking and beautiful results. To learn more about how breast revision can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, we encourage you to call our Houston practice at (713) 523-0300 to schedule a personal consultation.

About Breast Revision

The revision rate after primary breast augmentation may be as high as 36%. (1) The surgery allows patients to achieve the desired size, shape, and symmetry of their breasts, enhancing their overall appearance and boosting self-confidence. Patients who are unhappy with previous breast augmentation results can achieve better contours and proportions through revision surgery, ensuring a harmonious balance with the rest of their body.

In some cases, complications such as implant shifting, capsular contracture, or implant rupture may occur after the initial breast augmentation procedure. Breast revision surgery can address these complications, providing improved comfort and peace of mind.

Why Would I Choose Breast Revision?

  • To change implant size
  • To change implant specification
  • To repair an implant complication

Implant complications include:

  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant displacement
  • Double bubble deformity
  • Implant rupture

Breast Implant Complications

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is the most common complication that can occur after breast augmentation. (2) It involves the formation of hard scar tissue around breast implants, causing the breasts to feel distorted, and potentially painful. Several grading systems are used to classify the severity of capsular contracture. The most commonly utilized classification system is the Baker Grading System, which categorizes capsular contracture into four grades:

  • Grade I: The breast appears soft and normal.
  • Grade II: The breast feels slightly firm, but looks normal.
  • Grade III: The breast feels moderately firm and may appear abnormal.
  • Grade IV: The breast feels hard, looks distorted, and may be painful.

By addressing the scar tissue and modifying the implant pocket, breast revision helps restore a more natural breast shape and appearance.

Implant Displacement

Implant shifting, also known as breast implant displacement, refers to the movement or repositioning of breast implants from their original placement. Over time, the effects of gravity and the natural aging process can cause breast implants to shift downward or laterally within the breast pocket. This condition is more common with larger implants or implants placed above the muscle (subglandular placement). Breast implant shifting can be distressing for patients, causing them to feel dissatisfied with the appearance of their breasts. By addressing this concern, patients can regain confidence in their bodies and enjoy the desired aesthetic results.

Double Bubble Deformity

Double bubble deformity is characterized by the appearance of an extra “bubble” or crease under the breast, giving it a double contour. This deformity is most commonly seen when the natural inframammary fold (the crease where the breast meets the chest wall) is disrupted and displaced. (3) The result is an unnatural and aesthetically displeasing appearance of the breasts. Correcting double bubble deformity eliminates the extra crease under the breast, resulting in a smoother and more harmonious breast contour.

Implant Rupture

This complication refers to the rupture or tearing of breast implants, which can lead to implant leakage, deflation, or a release of silicone or saline into the surrounding tissues. While the prospect of an implant rupture can cause concern, it’s important to note that advancements in technology and surgical techniques have made the risk of an implant rupture relatively low. By treating an implant rupture promptly, patients can reduce the risk of potential complications, such as capsular contracture or infection.

Benefits of Breast Revision

  • Enhanced Appearance: Whether you desire a change in size, shape, or overall appearance of your breasts, Breast revision allows you to achieve your desired results, promoting self-confidence and satisfaction with your body.
  • More Natural Look and Feel: If you are unhappy with the previous breast augmentation results that appear unnatural, Breast revision allows you to achieve a more realistic and natural-looking outcome.
  • Improved Symmetry: Breast revision can correct any asymmetry or imbalances caused by a previous breast augmentation procedure, achieving a more symmetrical and harmonious aesthetic.
  • Restoration of Implant Placement: In cases where the implants have shifted, bottomed out, or moved from their desired position, breast revision restores proper placement and ensures optimal positioning based on your unique anatomy.
  • Correction of Complications: Breast revision addresses complications such as capsular contracture, implant ruptures, implant malposition, or any other issues affecting the look and feel of your breasts.
  • Improved Comfort: If you are experiencing discomfort or pain due to complications from a previous breast augmentation surgery, breast revision can provide relief and improve overall comfort.
  • Long-Term Satisfaction: By addressing any concerns or issues caused by a previous breast augmentation procedure, breast revision helps you achieve long-term satisfaction with your breast appearance.

Dr. Kronowitz is a renowned plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast revision surgeries, ensuring quality results that meet your aesthetic goals.

Personal Consultation

Breast Revision Kronowitz Plastic Surgery

At Kronowitz Plastic Surgery, we prioritize personalized patient care. During your personal consultation, Dr. Kronowitz will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history, discuss your concerns and goals, and perform a physical examination focused on your breasts. It is essential to openly communicate your desired outcome as well as any questions or concerns you may have. Dr. Kronowitz will take the time to educate you about breast revision surgery options relevant to your specific case and propose an appropriate treatment plan.

Procedure

Dr. Kronowitz performs breast revision under general anesthesia with the assistance of an anesthesiologist.

He makes an incision along the inframammary fold (breast crease), and the damaged or unwanted implant is removed. Often, Dr. Kronowitz will attempt to use the same incision that was used during your initial breast augmentation. This will help minimize postoperative scarring.

Permanent Implant Removal

Women unsatisfied with the appearance of their augmented breasts can return to their natural bustline with permanent implant removal. With this technique, the implants are removed, breast pockets are tightened, and incisions are closed.

This technique is appropriate for younger women or women with small implants who do not have significant breast ptosis (sagging).

Implant Removal and Replacement

Women who wish to upsize or downsize their implants or women who experience an implant complication that requires the removal of the implant can exchange their implants for new, healthy ones that are the same or different in size and shape.

Implant Removal and Breast Lift

Women who choose to remove their implants—or decide to downsize their implants—may benefit from a breast lift along with their implant removal. Large, heavy implants can contribute to premature breast sagging, which is worsened when the weight of the implants is no longer there.

Breast lift surgery raises the breasts and restores a youthful breast contour by tightening the deep underlying breast tissues and removing excess breast skin.

Implant Removal & Fat Transfer

Women who want to remove their implants permanently but still want to retain fullness can choose implant removal with fat transfer. Breast revision with fat transfer removes the implants and, instead of adding new implants, uses fat to achieve additional volume.

This technique uses the fat that has been taken from elsewhere on the body—such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, or buttocks—and inserts it into various areas of the breast to create or enhance bust fullness.

While fat transfer cannot achieve the same level of volume enhancement as some implants, it provides beautiful, natural-looking results.

Results

The results of your breast revision will be noticeable immediately after your surgery; however, they will continue to change as the breasts heal and settle. Your breast revision results are permanent, barring any additional complications to a replaced implant. Breast surgery does not stop the natural aging of the breasts, and the breasts will eventually start to sag. Significant weight fluctuations and future pregnancies will affect the appearance of the breasts and the quality of your results

Cost of Breast Revision Surgery in Houston

Breast revision is a highly customizable surgical procedure, and the cost of your breast revision will reflect that personalization. The techniques used and any surgeries performed in combination with breast revision will impact the final cost of your procedure.

We will provide an estimated price quote during your consultation with Dr. Kronowitz. Your breast revision cost will include anesthesia fees, surgeon’s fees, and facility fees. To learn more about breast revision, please contact our office at (713) 523-0300.

FAQ

How long is breast revision recovery?

Your breasts are wrapped in a compression garment that will protect the incisions, ensuring that the breasts heal in the correct place, and reducing bruising and swelling. Following your breast revision, your breasts may be sore, swollen, and bruised. Prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication will alleviate any discomfort.

You should rest during the initial days of your breast revision recovery. You will want to avoid any strenuous movement or lifting for four to six weeks, but you can return to work and your normal activities within one to two weeks.

What type of anesthesia is used during breast revision surgery?

Breast revision surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring optimal comfort and safety for the patient throughout the procedure. Dr. Kronowitz works with experienced anesthesiologists who carefully monitor patients’ vital signs and facilitate smooth, pain-free surgery.

How often is breast revision surgery performed?

Breast revision surgery is becoming increasingly common as more individuals undergo breast augmentation procedures. The frequency of breast revision surgeries has risen over the years due to various factors such as changing preferences, aging implants, and advancements in medical techniques.

References

  1. Denney BD, Cohn AB, Bosworth JW, Kumbla PA. Revision Breast Augmentation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2021;35(02):098-109. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727272
  2. Headon H, Kasem A, Mokbel K. Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation: An Update for Clinical Practice. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2015;42(5):532. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.532
  3. Handel N. The Double-Bubble Deformity. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2013;132(6):1434-1443. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/01.prs.0000434405.91316.96